About Garua Harbour
Garua Harbour is a volcanic field rising to 565 meters (1,854 feet) in Papua New Guinea's Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Garua Harbour is located in Papua New Guinea, within the Bismarck Volcanic Arc of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 5.30° S, 150.07° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 565 meters above sea level, Garua Harbour is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Garua Harbour sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Papua New Guinea near Garua Harbour, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is rhyolite, a silica-rich volcanic rock associated with highly viscous magma. Rhyolitic eruptions can be extremely explosive and are responsible for some of the largest volcanic events in Earth's history, including supervolcanic caldera-forming eruptions. The high silica content traps dissolved gases, building enormous pressure that can lead to catastrophic explosive releases.
GVP Reference Summary
The Garua (Talasea) Harbour volcanic field consists of a group of lava domes and ash cones of possible Holocene age. These volcanic vents ring the harbor on the west and form Garua Island to the east. Much of the volcanic field, including the two lava domes on Garua Island, consists of rhyolitic rocks. Active hot springs ring the shores of Garua Harbour and are best developed on the north and south sides. Large boiling pools, fumaroles, and small geysers are found on the north shore near Pangalu village. Another large group of boiling pools, fumaroles, and mudpots is located near the Talasea Government Station on the south shore of the bay.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Garua Harbour.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Garua Harbour
Is Garua Harbour an active volcano?+
Garua Harbour is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Garua Harbour?+
Garua Harbour has a summit elevation of 565 meters (1,854 feet) above sea level. At 565 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Garua Harbour?+
Garua Harbour is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Garua Harbour located?+
Garua Harbour is located in Papua New Guinea, in the Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Bismarck Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -5.300° latitude, 150.070° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Garua Harbour?+
Garua Harbour can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Papua New Guinea may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
